Austrian Partners Deliver Innovative Recycled Cup Solution for Greener Eurovision Event Experience

Photo: from left to right: Shanila Baseley (Vice President Sales Borealis GmbH), Michael Krön (Executive Producer Eurovision Song Contest 2026), Harald Hauke (ARA Spokesperson of the Executive Board), Beatrix Praeceptor (CEO Greiner Packaging)

(IN BRIEF) A collaborative initiative led by Austrian partners is introducing a fully closed-loop recycling system at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna, where 100,000 reusable cups made from 100 percent recycled plastic will be used throughout the event. The project integrates every step of the recycling process within Austria, from waste collection and sorting to chemical recycling and final product manufacturing, eliminating the need for virgin materials and reducing environmental impact. By combining advanced recycling technologies with local production, the initiative demonstrates how circular economy principles can be effectively applied at large-scale events. In addition to reducing waste, the project promotes sustainability awareness through digital tools and ensures long-term value by recycling used cups or redistributing them to social institutions, establishing a new benchmark for environmentally responsible event practices.

(PRESS RELEASE) VIENNA, 29-Apr-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — A new sustainability initiative developed in Austria is setting a benchmark for circular economy practices at the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, taking place in Vienna. The project introduces a fully closed-loop recycling system, enabling the use of 100,000 reusable cups made entirely from recycled plastic during the main event and associated activities.

The initiative is the result of a collaboration between Altstoff Recycling Austria, Borouge International, OMV, and Greiner Packaging. Together, the partners have created a fully integrated recycling value chain, ensuring that all stages—from waste collection to final product manufacturing—are completed within Austria. This approach eliminates the need for virgin materials, saving approximately five tons of raw resources.

The process begins with the collection of plastic packaging waste through Austria’s nationwide recycling system. The materials are then sorted and processed into flakes by ARA, before being converted into synthetic crude oil at OMV’s ReOil® facility. This feedstock is subsequently transformed by Borouge International into Borcycle™ C granules suitable for food-contact applications. Finally, Greiner Packaging uses these materials to produce durable reusable cups that meet strict safety and performance standards.

This closed-loop model demonstrates how advanced recycling technologies can be combined with efficient logistics to create high-quality products while minimizing environmental impact. The initiative also supports the event’s designation as a certified Green Event by reducing reliance on single-use plastics and lowering transport-related emissions through localized production.

Beyond its environmental benefits, the project also aims to raise awareness among attendees. Each reusable cup features a QR code linked to DigiDot, a multilingual digital guide developed by ARA that provides information on proper waste separation and nearby recycling points. This tool is designed to help visitors make more sustainable choices both during the event and in everyday life.

After the conclusion of the event, cups that are no longer suitable for reuse will be recycled and reintroduced into the production cycle, while those still in good condition will be donated to social institutions. This ensures that the initiative delivers not only environmental gains but also social value, reinforcing its role as a model for sustainable event management.

Media Contacts:

Borouge International
+43 1 22 400 899 (Vienna, Austria)
media@borougeinternational.com

SOURCE: BOREALIS